Lowell Dracut State Forest
Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest is a publicly owned forest across three towns. It is over 1,100 acres and has a large network of trails throughout the wooded area. Some beautiful wetlands are part of this vast acreage, as well. The trails are used by many people for hiking, running and mountain biking, as well as winter activities, too.
The vast network of trails provides a lot of options for our trail running, with some trails relatively flat and wide, as well as others that are narrow and more hilly.
Skill Level
No previous running or trail running experience necessary. Each person should have a fitness level suitable for running approximately 20-30 minutes with breaks. Trails may be relatively flat or somewhat hilly. The trails chosen will depend on the group present each night, and may divide into two groups if needed.
Timing
We will meet at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop in the late afternoon and drive ten minutes to the forest. We will run about 25-30 minutes in the end of day sun, followed by some dynamic stretching back near the parking lot just after the sun has gone down but before it is dark. We intend to return to the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop within about 1.5 hours.
Weather
We plan our trail running for fall and spring, so most weather will be great for trail running. Plan ahead by wearing the proper attire for the conditions (gear list below). If there are active thunderstorms or lightning or very muddy conditions, we may cancel the run.
Gear List
The items on this list are recommended for your evening of running. The weather forecast and your thermal perception (i.e. if you generally feel cold or warm) should be considering when preparing.
- Online medical questionnaire and waiver
- Running shoes no specific style needed, but should be comfortable
- Running socks recommend synthetic or wool for cooler evenings
- Pants, shorts or running tights
- Shirt short sleeve or long sleeve
- Jacket in case you need it
- Water bottle we won't carry water with us on these short runs, but will leave in the van so you can hydrate before and after the run
- *Headlamp
*All items with an asterisk are available to borrow from the Outdoor Adventure Program.
OAP will provide all the necessary group items, including first aid kit.
Register for upcoming trips on our Trips and Events Calendar webpage
Contact:
- Email: Outdooradventure@uml.edu
- Phone: 978-934-1549